Last December, I (Holly) wrote mom a birthday tribute....I thought it fitting to include here....The Wife of Noble CharacterTo me, my mom personified this Proverbs 31 Woman...A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life...(She also brings him O’douls!)She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands..(Christmas needlepoint stockings, last minute Halloween costumes- you are an awesome seamstress!)She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar...(Costco!)She gets up while it is still dark ...(actually, she doesn’t go to sleep until dawn!)She provides food for her family ...(Chicken fried steak, black-eyed peas, fried okra, cornbread...Paula Dean has nothing on you!)You are also the best caregiver, ever! Your ability to care for Poppo, Dad, Jaime, Jake, myself… is remarkable.
Selfless doesn’t even begin to describe your actions. The daily grind of doing the stuff that needs doing is overwhelming to even the healthiest of people…My hat is off to you!And portions for her servant girls...(You are a great household manager….you don’t just employ others, you make sure their lives are good as well. You are a smart business woman and a kind boss!)She considers a field and buys it...(But only after researching Consumer Reports, Clarke Howard and numerous other places for advice! )Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard....(tomatoes, roses, plastic plants that deer won’t eat!)She sets about her work vigorously...(Understatement of the year!!!)Her arms are strong for her tasks...(You are the strongest, most determined woman I’ve ever met! While most people would have thrown in the towel many years ago, you have an inner strength and an ability to “not quit!” EVER! It’s truly remarkable! When someone tells you “you can’t” you say, “Watch me…”)
She sees that her trading is profitable...(You are also a great financial manager. Frugal, diligently saving, spending wisely, clipping coupons, being willing to “take the time to return items” and bargaining with people is something I am still learning... You are an EXPERT!!!! As they say, “A penny makes a million!” I’m so glad I’ve been able to see, first hand, your financial frugality in action!)And her lamp does not go out at night...(Because she is working on paperwork!)In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers...(As you fix my Halloween petticoat!)She opens her arms to the poor...(Who haven’t you invited to live with you?)And extends her hands to the needy...(You are also the most loving pet owner, ever! All the dogs love and adore you.
Your bond with Coty is remarkable and to be envied. Your willingness to accept my dogs in the midst of crises has been a true blessing. They all love the way you feed them so lovingly and spend time with them….You spoil them rotten! Even the neighborhood dogs come to your home for love! Also, the wild animals deer, opossums, skunks, armadillos, squirrels…racoons, birds...)When it snows, she has no fear for her household...For all of them are clothed in scarlet...She makes coverings for her bed...She is clothed in fine linen and purple...Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land...She makes linen garments and sells them,And supplies the merchants with sashes.She is clothed with strength and dignity...She can laugh at the days to come...I’ve seen you smile and laugh through the pain….so much so, that when you are hospitalized, I have to remind you to not joke so much because the Doctors don’t think you are sick!
Like Poppo, your upbeat attitude and ability to make light of dark situations has blessed my heart. Always smiling, always giving, always sharing whatever you have...whether it be giving your advice, time, talents, candy in the hospital or extra food…you are the quintessential “Hostess with the Mostest!”She speaks with wisdom..(.All of your “tips” are right and grammatically correct!)And faithful instruction is on her tongue. (Constantly!)She watches over the affairs of her household...(While terminally ill, you are able to run the household, care for a husband with Alzheimer's, finances, dogs, and other family members... You have an inner Herculean strength surpassed only by your determination and tenacity!)And does not eat the bread of idleness...(Understatement!
Our butts can’t hit the chair without being reminded to multi-task!)Her children arise and call her blessed...(Her husband does so as well and constantly asks, “Where’s my Momma?” I love her!)Many women do noble things But you surpass them all!Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate! | 
